Penetopteryx taeniocephalus Lunel, 1881
Oceanic pipefish

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  7.25 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 2 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Madagascar to Christmas Island (Line Islands).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-30. Description: Characterized by brownish color with dark edged white bars on head; males with white blotch surrounding 1-4 small black spots on ventral-lateral portion of third to sixth trunk rings and three black spots in vertical row on middle of most lateral trunk rings; absence of anal fin; subadult and adult without pectoral rays; 10 caudal rays; rings 18-19 + 41-43; continuous superior trunk and tail ridges; inferior trunk ridge ends at anal ring; confluent lateral trunk ridge with inferior tail ridge; length of snout 3.2-4.1 in head length; depth of snout 1.2-1.4 in snout length; head length 8.5-13.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Sub-adults and adults are demersal and have been found among gravel and coral rubble. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Males may be brooding at 5.4 cm SL.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 January 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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